As you get closer to going thoughts start to come into your head:

The What if's:

What if I am not good at this?

What if I don't know what to do or say there?

What if Africa is really not safe?

What if I do or say something wrong?

What if I get sick?

What if... What if.... What if....

These questions are natural. This is my 5th trip to Kenya and I still get the

What ifs.

The trick is to remember God is in control!!

Psalm 46: 1-7

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way

and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; the lifts his voice, the earth melts.
The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Staying Healthy During Your Trip

Prevent Insect BitesMany diseases, like Malaria and Dengue are spread through insect bites. One of the best protections is to prevent insect bites by:

1. Using insect repellent (bug spray) with 30%-50% DEET. Picaridin, available in 7% and 15% concentrations, needs more frequent application. There is less information available on how effective picaridin is at protecting against all of the types of mosquitoes that transmit malaria.
2. Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and a hat outdoors.
3. Remaining indoors in a screened area during the peak biting period for malaria (dusk and dawn).
4. Sleeping in beds covered by nets treated with permethrin, well-screened room.
5. Spraying rooms with products effective against flying insects, such as those containing pyrethroid.
6. For detailed information about insect repellent use, see Insect and Arthropod Protection.

Prevent Animal Bites and Scratches
Direct contact with animals can spread diseases like rabies or cause serious injury or illness. It is important to prevent animal bites and scratches.

1. Be sure you are up to date with tetanus vaccination.
2. Do not touch or feed any animals, including dogs and cats. Even animals that look like healthy pets can have rabies or other diseases.
3. If you are bitten or scratched, wash the wound well with soap and water and go to a doctor right away.
4. After your trip, be sure to tell your doctor or state health department if you were bitten or scratched during travel.
5. For more information about rabies and travel, see the

Rabies Chapter of the Yellow Book or CDC's Rabies homepage. For more information about how to protect yourself from other risks related to animals, see Animal-Associated Hazards.

Be Careful about Food and Water
Diseases from food and water are the leading cause of illness in travelers. Follow these tips for safe eating and drinking:

1. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before eating. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand gel (with at least 60% alcohol).
2. Drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes.

Do not eat food purchased from street vendors.

Make sure food is fully cooked.

Avoid dairy products, unless you know they have been pasteurized.Diseases from food and water often cause vomiting and diarrhea. Make sure to bring diarrhea medicine with you so that you can treat mild cases yourself.

I asked God to take away My habit..

God said, No.

It is not for me to take away, But for you to give it up.

I asked God to make my han di capped child whole.

God said, No.

His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary.

I asked God to grant me patience.

God said, No.

Patience is a byproduct of tribulations; It isn't granted, it is learned.

I asked God to give me happiness.

God said, No.

I give you blessings; Happiness is up to you.

I asked God to spare me pain..

God said, No.

Suffering draws you apart from Worldly cares and brings you closer to me .

I asked God to make my spirit grow.

God said, No.

You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful.

I asked God for all things That I might enjoy life.

God said, No.

I will give you life, So that you may enjoy all things.

I asked God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me ..

God said...Ahhhh, Finally you have the idea. 

 

1 John 3:1

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

Mark 10:13-16

One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him.When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them.

I was thinking last night as I tried to fall asleep how Blessed this team is
to have the people you have on it.

Each person brings Gifts,
Each person brings Joy,
Each person brings Laughter,
Each person brings Hope!!

Many friendship that will form
from these two weeks together.
Friendships formed on the mission field are life long,
I am still in contact with people I first went to Kenya with 10 years ago!!

THE BEST PART IS WE WILL ALL BE TOGETHER IN GOD'S KINGDOM
SURROUNDED BY THE BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN
WHO'S LIVES YOU WILL TOUCH IN KENYA!!

Matthew 25:21

"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!"

Little Rascals!!

I love this picture. It was taken on Hair Day.
That is when two gals come in and re-braid all the children's hair.
I thought of Buckwheat from The Little Rascals...

You are just going to fall in love with these
Little Rascals!! 

 

As we get ready to go, there is so much that can make us anxious

"can I leave home for so long"

"what will happen to me in Africa"

"am I ready for something like this"

The list can go on and on... The trick is remember

God is in control!!

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:6-9

How Hot Will It Get

We will be in Kenya as they end Summer and head into Fall. 

Here is some idea of what the temperatures will be like...

Nairobi

 

Nakuru

On average, the warmest month(s) are February and March.

The monthly mean minimum and maximum daily temperature. Show temperatures in Celcius »

What To Do

Here is a tentative agenda for our trip!! 

Friday 28th	Arrive - Get settled
Saturday 1st	Orientation
	Serve/Play w/kids	Help around compound where needed
Sunday 2nd	Church & Day w/kids	Olympics with Older Kids
Monday 3rd	Tour of School
	Kibera School	Face Painting, Songs
	Serve @ Feeding Station
	Giraffe Center (if time)
Tuesday 4th	Drive to Olorropil
	Visit Pre-Primary	Wordless Bible / He Lives Suncatchers
	Meet local church community
	Return to Nairobi
Wednesday 5th	Fly to Kisumu/Travel to Gombe Village
	Tour of Compound
	Serve @ Feeding Station
	Afternoon w/kids	Wordless Bible
Thursday 6th	Handicapped School	Face Painting, Songs
	Play w/Gombe kids	He Lives Suncatchers
	Boma to Boma Visitation
Friday 7th	Drive to Nakuru
Saturday 8th	Tour Computer Training School
	Boys Farm (All Day!)	4 Chairs / Olympics / Videos
Sunday 9th	Church @ Bahati
	Lunch w/Congregation
	Depart for Nairobi
Monday 10th	Kazuri Beads/Hardy Curios
	Afternoon w/kids	Lords Prayer Book Markers / Magic color crosses
Tuesday 11th	Fly to Masai Mara
Wednesday 12th	Masai Mara
Thursday 13th	Return to Nairobi
	Repack/Goodbyes
	Leave for Home

Who are David and Jennifer Hatley

This will be my 6th time going over to Kenya to work with CMIA. God put a deep desire to work in this ministry after I heard David Hatley speak in Snohomish. I will never forget that afternoon, God spoke straight into my heart. Now 9 years later that desire and calling is only stronger. That is in part due to the amazing people the Hatleys are. They let God use them and have the faith of Moses!! I look forward to each of you meeting them in Feb...

27years ago David and Jennifer felt the call of God to go to Kenya. They sold all they had and packed up their two very young children and headed to Kenya. Once there, they were told they could not enter the country. David said "you don't understand, God told us to come!" For hours this went on till finally the officials said, "Fine. Go!!" Knowing only one person in Kenya they went out. Now 27 years latter they have been God's hands in starting children's homes, schools for children who can afford to go to school, feeding stations that feed thousand, and countless churches. It is their ministry we will be going to Kenya to support. Working in the children's home they helped start. They know each child by name. They spend time with each child in all the homes loving on them and encouraging them. Over the years David and Jennifer raised their three children (Penny came after they arrived in Kenya) and have adopted 4 Kenyan girls.

My favorite story of David and Jennifer was the trip I was on in 2006 to Kenya. We were asked to attend a wedding. At the wedding many of the kids came along. I was in the row of chairs in front of David and Jennifer. When I looked back behind me I found both David and Jennifer had ribbon all over them. The kids had gotten bored and gathered the ribbons around them and began putting them on David and Jennifer. They were such great sports!!

You will get to meet David and Jennifer if you have not already, along with their oldest daughter (and her family) and two of their adopted children. It will be a great time to ask any questions about CMIA and get to know two amazing people who followed God's call and have changed the lives of thousand!!

Matthew 25:21 "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!"

It is time to start thinking about your shots...

The "regular" shot recommendations for Kenya have been:

Hep A and Hep B

Yellow Fever

MMR, Polio

Tetanus

Typhoid

Menigococcal

Malaria Medication while on Trip

Your Travel adviser will have to know the locations in which you will be traveling. The destinations are all in Kenya:

Nairobi

Nakuru

Gombe

Masai Mara Game Reserve

We will not be staying at altitudes over 10,000 feet.

Prayer Needed

Groups of onlookers gather on a road looking down over the Westgate Mall in Nairobi, Kenya

Kenyan's military said late Sunday it had rescued "most" of the remaining hostages held by al-Qaida-linked militants in an upscale Nairobi mall after launching a major operation to end a two-day standoff that had already killed 68 people.

The assault came about 30 hours after 10 to 15 al-Shabab extremists stormed the mall Saturday from two sides, throwing grenades and firing on civilians.

Somalia's al-Qaida-linked rebel group, al-Shabab, claimed responsibility for the attack that specifically targeted non-Muslims. The attackers included some women. The Islamic extremist rebels said the attack was retribution for Kenyan forces' 2011 push into neighboring Somalia.
"We'll not negotiate with the Kenyan govt as long as its forces are invading our country, so reap the bitter fruits of your harvest," al-Shabab said in a tweet.

More than 175 people were injured in the attack, Lenku said, including many children. Kenyan forces were by Sunday in control of the mall's security cameras, he said.

Kenyans and foreigners were among those confirmed dead, including British, French, Canadians, Indians, a Ghanaian, a South African and a Chinese woman.

Day One of Car Wash

The first of two car washes was a HUGE success!! 

We brought in over $1300!!!

Most of all we got to work as a team for the first time... and what a great team we make!!

 

Car Wash

Aug

18th
&
25th

 

 

 

 

 

 

Timberlake Church 

In Redmond Wa
10am - 1pm

We need buckets, soap and sponges.....

Bring friends to help... The more people there, the more cars we can wash!!

We have our Flights...

It is going to be a long haul to Kenya and back but it will be more then worth it... Here is our Flight Schedule...

Date               Place     Leaves        Arrives          Place         Flight Time         Layover

Wed 2/26        Seattle    5:10pm      7:40pm           Dubai         14.30 hours        Overnight 

Fri 2/28          Dubai      10:45am     2:55pm          Nairobi        5.10 hours 

Date            Place      Leaves           Arrives         Place         Flight Time        Layover

Thu 3/13     Nairobi    11:35pm         5:35am         Dubai         5 hours              4 hours

Fri 3/14       Dubai        9:40am          1:00pm        Seattle        14.20 hours

Our Daily Schedule

To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. -2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

DAILY SCHEDULE

Activities in each place will be planned as we prepare to go.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

• Wednesday Feb 26th Leave Seattle


• Thursday Feb 27th  Arrive in Dubai, Night tour and rest.


• Friday Feb 28th  Leave Dubai for Kenya,  Settle in to guest house.


• Saturday March 1st All day at GCC and HIV/AIDS home
   
• Sunday March 2nd  Worship with Church on the Rock and spend time around GCC Langata. 


• Monday March 3rd visit the Kibera Slums project, Visit the Giraffe Park with kids.


• Tuesday March 4th  Visit Olorropil Project (Masai people) 


• Wednesday March 5th  Fly to Kisumu / Gombe project


• Thursday March 6th Visit Handicap school / Gombe village


• Friday March 7th Drive to Nakuru and do House to House visits. 


• Saturday March 8th  Computer Training school and time with the boys on GCCs Farm


• Sunday March 9th  Worship with the Bahati Church and then drive back to Langata.


• Monday March 10th  Free Day: Shopping, Carnivores and Kazuri Beads


• Tuesday March 11th Masia Mara


• Wednesday March 12th  Masia Mara
•  
•  Thursday March 13th Fly back to Nairobi and then fly to Duba
•  
• Friday March 14th  Arrive back home. 

The Least of These...

"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

A few Saturdays ago, I woke up early and found myself flipping through channels on the TV. I came to a half hour plea for help from Feed the Children. Where were they pleading for help? Kenya, Africa. I saw hundreds of children in need of food. Children with out parents due to AIDS, desperate just to be loved and told it is going to be OK. Children way to young to be on their own yet they lived on the streets begging for food. According to the head of Feed the Children there are hundreds of thousand children in need of food in Kenya alone. In the years that I have been traveling to Kenya I have seen this up close. I began to cry. There are so many!! It was then that God reminded me that for the kids of CMIA there is hope EVERY DAY!! That hope comes from what God is doing through David and Jennifer Hatley. Through the many people who daily feed and love on these kids. And from those who take their vacation time to go and be with them... In a sea of hunger and pain, CMIA provides an island of hope. You too will be a part of bringing that hope and love to the kids of CMIA.

HIV and AIDS has effected one out of every five people in Kenya. We will go over AIDS in our July meeting but I wanted to get you thinking about it.

Here is a quiz on AIDS. See if you can find the right answers. We will go over it in July, but do some research now....



1. Which of the following catastrophes has claimed more lives?
a. Vietnam war
b. Earthquakes of the past 100 years
c. AIDS pandemic
Every week, AIDS claims as many lives as American Fatalities in the Vietnam War. Since it was discovered, AIDS has killed nearly 30 million people - equal to the combined population of Texas and Arizona, and nearly 10 times the number of earthquake fatalities in the last century. 

2. What makes AIDS so different from killer epidemics of the past?
a. AIDS kills the productive members of society, not predominantly the young and elderly
b. Men are particularly vulnerable to infection
c. Infections is totally avoidable based on personal choices
Unlike the Black Plaque of flu epidemics that largely spared the healthy, working-age population, AIDS is decimating the ranks of teachers, parents, doctors, and farmers - the very people a society relies upon to provide for basic needs. As a result, children and the elderly are left to fend for themselves.

3. Who said, "AIDS is the greatest weapon of mass destruction on earth"?
a. Bono
b. Colin Powell
C. Oprah
AIDS is devastating communities like no other weapon could, according to Colin Powell. Every minute, 10 more people are infected with HIV.

4. Why are women in developing countries contracting HIV at alarming rates?
a. They can't afford condoms
b. IV drug use is up among women
c. Women have few rights and choices in many cultures
In many developing countries, women have few rights and choices in life - including choices that protect them from HIV/AIDS. Women often do not have the power to decide whether or with whom they have sex; to negotiate condom use; to avoid sexual violence; or to feed their children without entering the sex trade. 


5. How is AIDS affecting the food supplies in African countries?
a. There's more food because there are fewer people
b. Food is scarcer because so many farmers are sick or dying
c. AIDS is having no effect on Africa's food supplies
Food shortages are a big problem. By 2020 AIDS will have claimed the lives of at least one-fifth of southern Africa's agricultural workers. Food production is just one area in which AIDS threatens to reverse decades of development work in poor countries. 

6. Why has Africa suffered the greatest number of AIDS deaths to date?
a. Africa has the greatest number of HIV-Infected people
b. Americans and Europeans can afford to be vaccinated against HIV
c. Stigma has prevented Africans from getting vaccinated
Sub-Sahara Africa has 64 percent of the worlds HIV cases - more then any other area of the world. But skyrocketing infections rates in Russia, China and India threaten similar or wars epidemics in these regions in the near future. Education and awareness could still change this. THERE IS NO VACCINE TO PROTECT AGAINST HIV/AIDS. 

7. How many children are orphaned each day because of AIDS according to the United Nations?
a. 200
b. 1500
c. 6000
6,000 children are orphaned by AIDS every day. If all the children orphaned by AIDS held hands, they would stretch five and half times across the USA. By 2011, this virtual chain will reach around the world. 



8. Imagine your parents have just died as a result of AIDS. As an orphan in Africa, what can you expect?
a. Neighbors will take care of you
b. You'll have to drop out of school
c. You will successfully farm your families land
You will likely have to drop out of school to care for younger siblings or because you can't afford the fees. Even if you had land, farming will be very difficult given your lack of experience. Neighbors might be willing to take you in, despite the stigma associated with AIDS - but resources may be so meager that you still can't get enough to eat. 

9. Which of the followings is commonly accepted AIDS myth in developing countries?
a. Sex with a virgin cures AIDS
b. If you feel healthy, you can't be HIV-Positive
c. AIDS is caused by evil spirits
d. All of the above
All of these myths are popular in developing countries. Limited formal education, lake of access to reliable information, and inadequate health care all promote harmful myths about AIDS. World Vision is one organization helping to prevent the spread of HIV with proven education based on biblical principles.

10. What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?
a. HIV is a virus and AIDS is a bacterial disease.
b.There is no difference between HIV and AIDS

c. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS
HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. A person can live a relatively normal life for many years if they are diagnosed with HIV, but they are said to have AIDS when they develop an HIV related illness.

11. In which country has the HIV prevalence rate dropped in recent years?
a. Uganda
b. Botswana
c. Swaziland
Uganda offers the world hope that we can turn the tide on this pandemic. Thanks to aggressive awareness and prevention campaigns, the HIV prevalence rate in Uganda has dropped from 21 percent in 1991 to 7 percent in 2004. Botswana and Swaziland, on the other hand, both suffer from prevalence rates of nearly 40 percent, the highest in the world. 


12. Can you get AIDS from sharing the cup of someone with HIV?
a. No
b. Yes
c. Only if you don't wash the cup.
It is not possible to become infected with HIV from everyday casual contact such as sharing food, shaking hands or touching the same objects. You are only at risk from HIV if you are exposed to infected blood or bodily fluids.

13.Which country has the highest number of people living with HIV?
a. South Africa
b. Kenya
c. Nigeria
In 2011, there were an estimated 5.6 million people living with HIV in South Africa, 3.4 million in Nigeria, and 1.6 million in Kenya.

14. In 2012, what percentage of people needing HIV treatment in low- and middle- income countries were receiving it?
a. 47%
b. 65%
c, 92%
In 2012, antiviral therapy coverage reached 65% in low- and middle- income countries. Greater political will and investment in treatment, in recent years, has resulted in more people accessing treatment than ever before.


 

Kenya's Flag

                   The flag of Kenya was officially adopted on December 26th 1963. 

The Kenyan flag is based on that of Kenya African National Union.

The color BLACK symbolize black majority,

RED for the blood shed during the struggle for freedom,

GREEN is for all of Kenya's natural wealth;

WHITE was added later and symbolizes peace.

 

The black, red, and white traditional Maasai Shield and two spears symbolize the defense of all the things mentioned above.

The Kenyan flag is based on the black over red over green flag of Kenya African National Union.

the political party that led the fight for freedom and independence of Kenya.

Upon independence, the white lines, symbolizing peace and unity,

and the shield were added.

Fun Photos

Great Movies To Watch

These are some great movies that will give you insite to life in Africa....

Hotel Rwanda: This was a big hit a few years back. Very good movie.
It is a true story. Based in Rwanda.

Yesterday: This is an amazing story on one woman's struggle with life in her village and what happens when her husband brings back "The sickness" to her. 

Beyond the Gates: Be ready for this one it is a true story and VERY powerful.
It takes place in Rwanda.
Don't miss the line the priest says when he tells us why he stays...




Beat the Drum: This is a story of a young boy learning about AIDS.
It takes place in South Africa.

Faith like Potatoes: What a great movie on how God can move on man to change many. This is another true story. Watch the documentary on Special Features!! Takes place in South Africa.

Duma: This is a wonderful family movie.

Takes place in Kenya.

Great scenery and a heart felt story.